The Bank of Fear

The recording of The Bank of Fear narrated by George Guidall made a particular impression on author Ignatius. In particular, he notes the research into pronunciations and attention to detail. Lots of names and expressions were checked with the author. "Guidall takes the recording very seriously." The thriller takes place primarily in London and revolves around Arab financial interests and corruption. Ignatius says the voices of the characters must first come alive in the mind of the narrator and be then projected in the narration. While the author's process has much the same evolution, sometimes a very different interpretation of the work emerges from the narrator. Narration can open the door for a different experience, adding the performer's layer of artistry. R.F.W. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

May 30, 1994
Cynical intelligence agencies, international financiers and evil Iraqis make global mischief in this clumsy, unconvincing thriller set primarily in contemporary Europe. American Sam Hoffman works as a private financial investigator in London, providing a freelance intelligence service to wealthy businessmen and corporations. When a Filipino cook begs Sam to investigate his employer--Nasir Hammoud, a shady and powerful Iraqi businessman--who, he says, has murdered his wife, Sam discovers a tangled web of financial deception. Setting out to bring Hammoud to justice, Sam enlists the aid of several wealthy Arab friends, cronies of his father (an abusive, alcoholic ex-CIA operative) and Iraqi computer specialist Lina Alwan, the accounting systems' supervisor at Hammoud's London headquarters. The ensuing action lacks believability: trite dialogue is mouthed by cartoon characters whose only motivation consists of advancing the novel's creaky plot. Sam, prized for his expertise, comes off as a dim ingenue, while Lina is unconvincing in her metamorphosis from timid accountant to wily spy. In a denouement that seems almost a non-sequitur, Ignatius ( Agents of Innocence ) brings his Middle-Eastern trilogy to a close on an amateurish note.

May 15, 1996
Ignatius, a managing editor for the Washington Post, has crafted an international thriller that will have the listener flipping tapes quickly to get to the finale. The story revolves around Lina Alwan, a trusted employee of an Iraqi front company, and Sam Hoffman, a financial investor and son of a retired CIA agent. Lina is the computer manager for the corrupt Nasir Hamoud, and one day she discovers that he is laundering the unnamed ruler of Iraq's money. The ensuing chase involving computer technology, numbered Swiss bank accounts, and torture is well crafted. Lina is always able to outsmart Hamoud's minions, and Sam bumbles along as best he can to help her. The ending is especially humorous. George Guidall provides an excellent narration and excells at the pronunciation of the numerous Arabic phrases. Highly recommended.--David A. Scott, Southwestern Oklahoma State Univ., Weatherford

Copyright 1996 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.